Epiglottitisisinflammationand swelling of the epiglottisthe tissue at the base of the tongue that covers the windpipe.
It can be a life-threatening condition if left untreated.
Your epiglottis is mainly made up ofcartilage tissue.
LWA / Getty Images
It behaves like a valve to prevent foods and liquids from entering your windpipe.
The cartilage tissue of the epiglottis can become swollen or infected.
The swelling might become severe enough to block the airway.
If this happens, you need emergency medical care to prevent airway blockage.
Epiglottitis is more common in children but can also affect adults.
Causes of epiglottitis include infections and injuries or burns to the throat.
You should seek immediate medical attention or call 911 if an adult or child is experiencing breathing troubles.
Either scenario could be fatal.
Can You See Your Epiglottis?
This is most often seen in children, but some reported incidences in adults have been reported.
A visible epiglottis is usually nothing to worry about if there are no breathing or swallowing problems.
Common Epiglottitis Causes
Bacterial, fungal, and viralinfectionsare the most common cause of epiglottitis.
It is also possible to experience epiglottitis following heat damage.
Thermal epiglottitis can occur after ingesting hot liquids or eating very hot foods.
E-cigarettes can also cause epiglottitis, especially in adolescents.
Such risk factors include:
Recognizing Epiglottitis Symptoms
Epiglottitis can appear suddenly and worsen quickly.
The condition’s most common symptoms are sometimes referred to as the “four Ds.”
The four Ds are:
Additional symptoms of the condition might include:
Is Epiglottitis Contagious?
If epiglottitis results from a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection, the infection might be contagious.
An infection that has led to epiglottitis may be transmitted from person to person.
Hospital treatment for epiglottitis begins with restoring the airway to full function.
This starts with placing an oxygen mask over the mouth and nose so the lungs can get air.
Epiglottitis Healing
Epiglottitis is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
It is not a condition that goes away on its own.
Without treatment, it can progress to a life-threatening airway obstruction.
Summary
Epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottisthe tissue that covers the windpipe.
The condition can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Causes include infections and injury or trauma to the throat.
The condition is characterized by four classic symptoms called the four Ds.
These are dysphagia, dysphonia, drooling, and distress.
Additional symptoms might include fever and sore throat.
Epiglottitis is an emergency medical condition that requires immediate treatment to avoid life-threatening airway obstruction.
Most people recover from epiglottitis, but the condition might be fatal without treatment.
Lichtor JL, Roche Rodriguez M, Aaronson NL, Spock T, Goodman TR, Baum ED.Epiglottitis.Anesthesiology.
Dysphagia evaluation and management in otolaryngology.
2021;24:e01116.
2014;46(2):e43-e46.
2020;145(3):e20192399.
doi:10.1542/peds.2019-2399
Dowdy RAE, Cornelius BW.Medical management of epiglottitis.Anesth Prog.
2020;67(2):90-97. doi:10.2344/anpr-66-04-08
Kojima K, Rosenberg M, English BK.
Case 3:Sore throat and fever in a 4-year-old boy.Pediatr Rev.
UpToDate.Epiglottitis (supraglottitis): management.
